ABOUT THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA

The Youth Orchestra (YO), conducted by Dr. Germán Gutiérrez, is the premier ensemble of the FWYO program. YO is a full orchestra that performs standard, professional-level orchestral repertoire, including complete symphonies, concertos, and overtures by classic composers, such as Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Brahms. Members of YO also have the opportunity to perform non-western repertoire and new music by contemporary composers. YO tours internationally every few years and collaborates frequently with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, including intensive sectionals and side-by-side performances.

 

AUDITIONS

Annual auditions are held for every position in YO, including the following instruments: FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, BASSOON, HORN, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, TUBA, PERCUSSION, HARP, VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS. For more information regarding applications & auditions, visit our website’s “Apply & Audition” page or contact David Warren (FWYO Director of Artistic Operations) at dwarren@fwyo.org.

 

​YOUTH ORCHESTRA TUITION

Current YO tuition is $730 per season (subject to change each year). Once offered a position in YO, a deposit will be due in order to reserve your position, and will be applied to the tuition total. Tuition is set by the Board of Directors annually, and is non-refundable. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

 

CONCERTS

The FWYO concert season consists of four major concert cycles. These four concerts are typically scheduled in October, December, March and May, and are held regularly at Bass Performance Hall, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas, and at other venues in the DFW area. Occasionally, FWYO ensembles will perform additional outreach and community concerts, including performances at Sundance Square and Cook Children’s Medical Center.

 

REHEARSALS

Youth Orchestra rehearsals are held on Sundays, 5:30–8:30pm at FWYO’s Orchestra Hall – 4401 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76109.

 

SECTIONALS

Sectionals will be scheduled occasionally throughout the season during the regularly scheduled rehearsal period, and are designed to provide focused guidance to individual sections in preparation of their orchestral repertoire. Local professional musicians, including members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, will lead these sectionals.

 

CONCERTO COMPETITION

The FWYO Young Artists Concerto Competition is held each fall, and the winner may be offered the opportunity to perform as soloist with YO the following spring. All members of YO are eligible to apply, with the exception of the winner from the previous season.

 

SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

The FWYO does not exist to replace school music programs, but to provide enhanced musical training and performance opportunities. It is required that all FWYO members participate in their school music programs. Permission to participate in the FWYO Programs without participation in your primary education institution’s music programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participation in a school program in addition to FWYO provides many benefits to young musicians, including experience in playing a wider variety of music, continual training in techniques and musicianship, the opportunity to work with and gain experience from a variety of music directors, and broader access to local and statewide opportunities, venues, and scholarships.